Happy Ending

After such success from ‘Pegasus’ it was exciting to hear what direction The Phoenix Foundation had taken with their new album- ‘Happy Ending’. I like the album and its casual holiday appeal, with up beat happy tunes like ‘Bright Grey’ and ‘Bleaching Sun’, but opening singles aside; the album showcases all of the song writing talent that is The Phoenix Foundation.

Being a Scott dominated album brings more single song writing to the forefront, but along with the Scott inspired hits like ‘Irrelevant Noise’ and ‘Pure joy’, which once again highlight his angst riddled vocals, the album also includes undertones of the prog rock which makes this band produce such compelling live performances.

Along with the instrumental power of ‘Omerta’, the rest of the album has a large orchestral section to it which draws more out of the seemingly singular form of the album at face value.

The highlights of the album for me were definitely ‘Gandalf’, which with the help of an Arp Odyssey is a soothing, natural piece. And ’40 Years’ with its ‘moving forward’ character and confidence shows exactly where this band is at right now.

‘Happy Ending’ is going to be heard from many discman to tape player adapting systems this summer for sure. Holiday pleasing goodness.

Craig Johnson

4/5